09/09/2011
The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is encouraging the public to visit its headquarters, MacNeice House on Saturday 10th September 2011 in a special event to mark European Heritage Open Day.
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Pictured at the Arts Council of Northern Ireland�s headquarters, MacNeice House are: Suzanne Lyle, Head of Visual Arts, Arts Council and Damien Coyle, Vice Chairperson, Arts Council |
The European Heritage Open Days are an annual celebration of Europe’s finest culture and agriculture, allowing visitors free admission to a diverse range of properties and the opportunity to attend events, tours and activities which illustrate local culture and history.
MacNeice House is one of 220 buildings in Northern Ireland that the public will be able to visit over the weekend. The building dates back to 1889 and is of significant historical interest with strong links to the famous Belfast poet, Louis MacNeice. His father, John Frederick MacNeice lived in the house as Church of Ireland Bishop of Down, Connor and Dromore, and it is thought that Louis MacNeice actually wrote the poem 'Snow' in a ground floor room.
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Pictured at the Arts Council of Northern Ireland’s headquarters, MacNeice House are: Suzanne Lyle, Head of Visual Arts, Arts Council and Damien Coyle, Vice Chairperson, Arts Council |
Damien Coyle, Vice Chairperson, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, said, “This is the eighth consecutive year that MacNeice House will open to the public to celebrate European Heritage Open Day. Visitors will be guided by Arts Council staff, through the historic building and they will also be offered a unique opportunity to enjoy a selection of our art collection. We encourage as many people as possible to take advantage of this special free event, you are very welcome.”
Throughout European Heritage Open Day, the public can visit a fascinating range of private houses, public buildings, monuments, churches and gardens many of which have not been accessible previously. For a full list of venues, log on to www.doeni.gov.uk
MacNeice House is open on Saturday 10th September 10.00am – 4.00pm
Tours on the hour, entrance is free of charge
Directions:-
MacNeice House, 77, Malone Road, Belfast. MacNeice is on the right hand side, facing the entrance to Queen’s Elms Village, heading country wards on the Malone Road out of Belfast.
